Throughout the 1990's, A Tribe Called Quest took hip-hop music into entirely new territories by offering up the perfected alternative to hardcore gangsta rap. Their fresh approach abandoned the macho posturing upon which rap music had been traditionally constructed, and focused instead on abstract philosophy and message tracks that artistically tackled controversial black issues.
Comprised of Q-Tip, Ali Shaheed Muhammad, and Phife Dawg, A Tribe Called Quest debuted in 1989 and released six chart-topping albums through the following decade including The Low End Theory, which many say is the most consistent and flowing hip-hop album ever recorded.
Tribe parted ways in 1998, but Phife Dawg has been extremely busy ever since building his own musical empire and expanding his already significant influence. Most recently, Phife joined forces with DJ Rasta Root to establish Smokin' Needles Records and the Riddim Kidz production company. Together, Phife and Roots have been faithfully working to locate the right talent to add to their growing artist roster.
With over two decades of combined studio experience under their belts, the seemingly unstoppable team has recently taken possession of a new pair of TAPCO S•8 studio monitors.
"We were looking for a true sounding monitor system for all our mixing and DJ applications," commented Roots. "So often you have great sounding monitors in the studio, but then you take the tracks out and put it in your car and the sound is completely different—not real at all."
Roots continued, "We've been using the S•8's, since we got them last summer and they are definitely the best monitor for the price. A lot of monitors we've used in the past overcompensate the bass. The S•8's however, seem to give a true picture of the sound."
And Phife's verdict on the sound? "The S•8's are hot. I've had speakers that I've literally taken back after one day of use cause the sound was so horrible. But the S•8's are really saying something. The sound is so crisp and clear. I have no complaints at all."
"They are also well protected from overheating," continued Phife. "That's been my biggest complaint with monitors—they get too hot and then they end up delaying studio time. With the S•8s, I know that my mix is going to sound great every time."
Tribe is currently celebrating a reunion, playing for the first time since their breakup in 1998. Having completed a few shows on the east coast with plans to travel throughout the U.S. in the upcoming months, Tribe is working on producing a full-length album.
Look for more to come from Phife and Rasta Roots, including music projects and a foray into the world of television.
About TAPCO
TAPCO revolutionized the pro audio industry back in 1969 with the very first 6-channel PA mixer specifically made for rock 'n' roll. Designed by audio guru Greg Mackie, the first TAPCO mixer was priced just right for starving musicians and durable enough to withstand mammoth-levels of on the road wear and tear. Today, TAPCO has been reborn-backed by the engineering and product development horsepower of Mackie. TAPCO is a LOUD Technologies Inc. brand.
TAPCO is a registered trademark of LOUD Technologies Inc. in the United States and other countries. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
For more information please contact: LOUD Technologies Inc. – 16220 Wood-Red Road N.E. – Woodinville, WA 98072 – Phone: (425) 487-4333 – Fax: (425) 487-4337 – Internet: www.loudtechinc.com |
